Safeguarding Democratic Values in the Electoral Context at the Forefront of the 14th Meeting of the EU Security Hub
In a regional and European context marked by hybrid threats, attempts at external interference, and constant pressure on democratic processes, operational cooperation and the ability of institutions to act in a coordinated manner become key elements in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
Against this backdrop, the European Union Support Centre for Internal Security and Border Management (the EU Security Hub) is convening in Chișinău for the 14th edition of this operational platform—an important format for cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union.
Over the course of two days, the Hub will serve as a shared working space for national and international experts, representatives of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, European institutions, EU Member States, and EU agencies. Participants will analyse recent experiences related to electoral processes and discuss patterns of external interference, identified vulnerabilities, and ways in which institutions can respond in a professional and coordinated manner to increasingly sophisticated risks.
The theme of this edition, dedicated to safeguarding democratic values in the electoral context, highlights the maturity reached by the EU Security Hub, which has evolved from a support mechanism into an operational cooperation platform focused on threat anticipation, information exchange, and transforming lessons learned into concrete actions.
Discussions take an integrated approach and focus on how national law enforcement authorities coordinate their efforts to protect democratic processes, on the experience of EU Member States in securing elections, and on the administrative and communication mechanisms required for a coherent response to hybrid threats. Particular attention is paid to protecting the information space, the role of communities, the media and civil society, as well as to the shared challenges faced by the Republic of Moldova and EU Member States in the context of recent elections.
In this regard, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, emphasized that the Republic of Moldova has reached a point where it not only applies European best practices but also actively contributes to the democratic security of the region.
“The Republic of Moldova is approaching a decisive stage in its European path. The Security Hub is part of this preparation. It directly contributes to aligning our country with European standards in the fields of internal security, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental values,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.
The Deputy Director-General for Home Affairs of the European Commission (DG HOME), Olivier Onidi, underlined: “Moldova has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years. In the run-up to last year’s parliamentary elections, the country faced major challenges, including hybrid threats and AI-driven disinformation aimed at diverting Moldova from its pro-European path. Nevertheless, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova once again showed determination and chose a European future. This victory is a shared achievement, made possible by internal courage and the EU’s constant and unwavering support.”
H.E. Iwona Piórko, European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, stated:
“The hybrid threats facing the Republic of Moldova are serious and persistent. Equally strong, however, is the determination of its institutions and citizens to defend democratic values. The European Union will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova—supporting reforms, strengthening resilience, and defending the principle that a country’s future must be decided freely and fairly by its own citizens.”
“The Republic of Moldova represents a positive example, having managed—despite limited resources, through perseverance and dedication—to withstand a large number of complex hybrid attacks aimed at undermining democratic elections and the country’s European path,” said Cosmin Dinescu, Head of the European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova.
Officials will agree on common strategic directions and operational actions to be implemented, ensuring that experiences and lessons learned are reflected in sustainable policies and mechanisms for safeguarding democracy.
The event is co-organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM).
Background
The European Union Support Centre for Internal Security and Border Management (the EU Security Hub) is an operational platform that facilitates cooperation in the fields of internal security and border management between EU institutions, EU Member States, and the authorities of the Republic of Moldova.
Established in July 2022, the EU Security Hub operates as a joint operational group, a facilitator of connections between experts, and a forum for strategic discussions. Over more than three years of activity, the platform has delivered tangible results, contributing to closer cooperation between the competent institutions of the Republic of Moldova and European partners, as well as to a constant exchange of information on cross-border crime and hybrid threats.
